Trade and Good for Tokens

Sometimes called merchant tokens, sometimes called “good fors,” trade tokens in the United States go back to the late 18th century, when event tokens were produced for circus acts and other performances (it is thought that George Washington used a copper token to see Bill Ricketts perform tricks on horses). In the 1820s, manufacturers such as Scovill made the production of tokens a business, which led to greater demand. The Hard Times tokens...Continue Reading